Debbie Clarke

Today Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first reigning British monarch to reach the age of 90.

Scotland will be toasting the special milestone by staging a number of events including an exhibition at Holyrood in Edinburgh celebrating 90 years of style from Her Majesty’s wardrobe.

Queen Elizabeth II plants a tree at the Canongate Church during her first visit to Edinburgh as Queen in 1952.

Scotland has held a special place in the Queen’s affections from a very tender age. She was a regular and enthusiastic visitor to Glamis Castle in Angus, the home of her mother’s family, as well as Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire when she was a child.

Scotland has also played a significant role in her Royal duties. When she became Queen, on the death of her father King George VI, one of her first official tasks was to plant a cherry tree at the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, the parish church for the Palace of Holyrood House.

And after the Coronation, the first to be televised live, huge crowds lined the streets of the Scottish capital as she received the Honours of Scotland – the Scottish crown, sceptre and sword of state.

During her long reign, the Queen has visited almost every part of Scotland, receiving bouquets and gifts, launching ships and opening bridges and buildings, including the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Queen Elizabeth II visiting Rothes Colliery near Kirkcaldy .

She always spends her summer holiday in Scotland, whether touring the Western Isles in the Royal Yacht Britannia or staying at Balmoral.

And in late June or early July, The Queen stays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and during ‘Holyrood Week’ she undertakes a series of engagements that celebrate Scottish culture, history and achievement, including a garden party at the Palace for around 8000 guests.

Her royal visits north of the border may have lessened in recent years, but Scotland still has a special place in our monarch’s heart.

To mark Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, we take a nostalgic look back in pictures at her royal visits to towns, cities and villages across Scotland over the years.

Queen Elizabeth II State visit - the West Lothian Tour. The Queen inspecting the guard of honour of the 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Falkirk.